Choosing Wisely:

Don’t initiate medications to treat symptoms, adverse events, or side effects without determining if an existing therapy or lack of adherence is the cause, and whether a dosage reduction, discontinuation of a medication, or another medication is warranted.

New medications should not be initiated without taking into consideration patient compliance with their preexisting medication and whether their current dose is effective at controlling/treating symptoms. Medications are often prescribed to treat symptoms that are really side effects of other medications without determining if the preexisting medication is truly needed or could be discontinued.